Marple, Upper Darby, Haverford Libraries Recognized at 2013 Delco Library System Awards Ceremony

Civic and social literacy was the theme of this year’s Library Legislative Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, hosted May 10 by the Delaware County Library System (DCLS).

The event was held at the Delaware County Law Library, a legal research library located on the fourth floor of the Media Courthouse. The Law Library is part of the Delaware County Library System and its collection is open to the public and searchable on the DCLS library catalog.

Delaware County Councilman Dave White focused on the importance of libraries as centers for learning and community that enhance the quality of life in Delaware County.  Representatives from the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) spoke on the vital role libraries play in promoting civic and social literacy. 

Civic and social literacy is one of the five core literacies that the Library Association supports, as detailed in the PA Forward awareness campaign. 

“Libraries can help citizens of all ages acquire the knowledge and resources they need to be successful and to participate in the civic affairs of their home communities,” said David Belanger, DCLS director.

More information on the PA Forward campaign can be found on www.paforward.org. PaLA speakers included Glenn Miller, PaLA executive director, Paula Gilbert, PaLA president and Delaware County’s own Janis Stubbs, PaLA president-elect.

The 2013 Delaware County Library Awards were presented in three categories: Outstanding Public Official; Outstanding Citizen for Libraries and Outstanding Employee.

• Councilman White presented the award for Outstanding Public Official to the Marple Township Commissioners, who were recognized for their support of the Marple Public Library. The commissioners have funded many capital projects that have improved the library’s ability to provide exceptional service and in 2012 made a significant increase in the library’s operating funding.

• The Phyllis S. Larson Award for Outstanding Citizen for Libraries was presented to the Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library. The Friends were recognized for their advocacy and financial support of the library. Not only do they promote the library in the community, but they have donated over $140,000 to the library in the last 10 years. The award is named in honor of Phyllis Larson, a volunteer who was instrumental in the formation of the Delaware County Library System and was presented by Mary Pat Lynam, DCLS board president.

• The Outstanding Library Employee award was given to Maria Polymenakos from the Upper Darby Library. Ms. Polymenakos began her career at the library in 1974 as a high school student. She is now head of Adult Services and was instrumental in the library’s new outreach program for older adults.
  
  

The Delaware County Library System is the department of county government responsible for providing support services for 26 independent member libraries.  For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit: www.delcolibraries.org or follow delcolibraries on Twitter and delawarecountylibraries on Facebook.  Tax deductible donations may be made to the Library Foundation of Delaware County, www.supportdelcolibraries.org